Okay... I admit it, I bought the cheapos at HF. They work well, but a corner of the 1/4"-3/4" must've caught some of the 3/16" angle iron I was drilling 'cause the stupid bit literally sheared right off!!!!

So, I am looking to replace this bit. I am looking at Irwin... any opinions for step drills? I only need a 1/4-3/4 right now, but I want to buy one taht won't break or shear off...


Any ideas?

Lenox Vari-bit. Get them at Fastenal.

I've been happy with my Irwin step bits. They seem to work well and last a long time.

The HF ones are actually pretty comparable to the better ones, and hold up fairly well.

You CANNOT, however, get a uni-bit cocked in the hole. If it binds, it snaps pretty much every time. It also helps to drill like you're supposed to drill steel: Go slow, push hard, and use cutting oil. It always amazes me when I watch someone spend 20 minutes drilling though a piece of 3/8" plate because they run the drill bit dy, and spin it flat out.

the unibits on sale at HF are the best bang for the buck in the store. You can get 4 sets of 3 for the same price as one craftsman or other brand, and like mentioned, they are not that different. I have owned both, and will only by the HF ones now

Thanks guys. This is exactly what I needed to know. I ran the drill at its lowest speed with plenty of pressure... I just must've gotten the bit cokced in the hole. I guess I'll just get another one... or three...

I have a bunch of step drill bits, all of them cheap TiN coated.
They work fine, BUT, does anybody make a cobalt step drill?
I really dig my standard drill bits made from cobalt. They can take so much more abuse and hold an edge way longer than TiN coated HSS.

It also helps to drill like you're supposed to drill steel: Go slow, push hard, and use cutting oil.


x2, I've had good luck with cheap step bits using this method